Mr and Mrs Toy are also believed to be from Lanark, where Mrs Toy previously worked as Community Planning Coordinator at South Lanarkshire Council.

Local police said all the holidaymakers had been safely rescued with the help of local fisherman.

Reports claimed that the group - four married couples and another woman - had sheltered below deck as the storm struck.

Marine chief Wiwat Chitchertwong said all the holidaymakers were safely rescued.

He said: “Police were notified at 5pm that there was heavy rain and lightning that struck the boat. This caused a fire. People were already sheltering downstairs in the boat to shelter from the rain when the lightning struck.”

Lt Col Brapan Chanprakon added: “There were nine passengers on board and assisted by fishing ships they landed safely. There were no injuries or deaths.

“The police department is investigating and speaking with witnesses and boat owner.”

Thai marine officials have told other sailors to be careful in the area where the luxury yacht, called ‘Emmjay’, sank. The accident happened when the 51-foot yacht caught fire between Koh Ngam and Koh Payu in Paklok.